Linda Margaret Amidon

Linda Margaret Amidon of Gardner, Massachusetts passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family, on April 15th at the age of 83. Born September 7th, 1941, Linda was the daughter of the late Burr and Marion Jacobsen. She is now reunited with her husband, Ernest Amidon; her brother, Bruce Jacobsen; stepbrothers, Ricard and Arnold Jacobsen; stepchildren, Susan Ledgard and Seth Amidon; as well as her beloved daughter, Micheline Correll.

Linda is survived by her children, Renee Aldrich and Jean-Pierre Lauture, her stepchildren, Ernest (Timmy) Amidon Jr., Lee Amidon, and Jane Lefrancois. She was the proud grandmother of 3 grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, and the great-grandmother to 4 great-grandchildren and 16 step-great-grandchildren. Linda’s family always came first, and she loved them all dearly.

Linda was born and raised in the close-knit community of Gardner, Massachusetts, where she spent her formative years surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. She attended Gardner’s public schools—elementary, middle, and high school—where she was known for her kind spirit, strong work ethic, and a genuine love of learning. A dedicated student, Linda graduated from Gardner High School in 1959, earning a solid academic record of A’s and B’s that reflected her determination and intelligence.

In the years that followed, Linda embarked on one of the most meaningful journeys of her life: motherhood. Together with her first husband, Francois Marcel Lauture, she lovingly raised three wonderful children. Linda took great pride in nurturing her family, instilling in her children the same values of kindness, resilience, and integrity that shaped her own life. Her role as a mother was one she cherished deeply, and her devotion to her children remained one of her greatest sources of joy and purpose throughout her life.

Linda was blessed to find the love of her life, Ernest Amidon. The two were married in 1982, beginning a lifelong partnership built on deep love, shared values, and a strong commitment to community service. Their union lasted more than 42 wonderful years, during which they became a source of strength and inspiration to many. Together, they played a vital role in the development and leadership of the American Legion Post 373 in Baldwinville, where their dedication and vision helped shape the organization into a local cornerstone for veterans and their families. Linda’s commitment to service extended beyond the post itself; she became a foundational figure in the American Legion Auxiliary from the time of its establishment in 1992.

Over the years, she held several esteemed positions, including Chaplain of the Worcester County Council District 4, where she offered spiritual support, compassion, and guidance to fellow members. She also served as the Auxiliary Unit Historian, preserving the legacy and traditions of the organization with care and reverence. Her tireless efforts and unwavering devotion left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of serving alongside her.

Linda had an insatiable love of learning that stayed with her throughout her life. Never one to settle for the ordinary, she pursued higher education with enthusiasm and purpose, enrolling in business administration courses at Mount Wachusett Community College. Her studies reflected not only her intellectual curiosity, but also her desire to grow, adapt, and remain engaged with the world around her.

Outside of academics and professional pursuits, Linda had a vibrant array of hobbies that brought her both joy and connection. She was a talented crafter who delighted in creating heartfelt handmade items, often gifting them to loved ones or donating them for community events. Her passion for genealogy led her to dive deep into the roots of her family tree—carefully piecing together generations of stories, photographs, and documents in a labor of love that preserved her family’s legacy.

She also cherished life’s simpler pleasures. Bingo nights were a beloved pastime, where the game was as much about laughter and camaraderie as it was about winning. Perhaps most of all, Linda loved staying connected—she could often be found chatting on the phone for hours, catching up with friends and family, sharing memories, and brightening someone’s day with her warm and familiar voice.

Linda will forever live on in our hearts—not just as a cherished mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, but as a beacon of love, strength, and warmth whose presence left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. Her laughter, her stories, and the gentle wisdom she shared so freely will echo in our memories for years to come. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit remains a guiding light—woven into the fabric of our lives through the values she instilled, the traditions she passed down, and the unconditional love she gave so generously. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and deep devotion to family and community, and we will carry her with us always, in every act of kindness, every joyful moment, and every shared remembrance.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 10 am in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon is assisting with arrangements.